Brooklyn man acquitted of federal charges found guilty for possessing a weapon in jail.
A 28-year-old man, Jordan Alston, was recently convicted of possessing a makeshift weapon while in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, despite being acquitted of a separate charge related to ammunition possession. The case highlights ongoing concerns surrounding safety and criminal behavior within secure facilities.
Alston’s legal troubles began in November 2023 when a probation officer discovered a single bullet hidden under a futon in his Brooklyn apartment, leading to charges of ammunition possession as a felon. This incident was particularly significant given Alston’s prior conviction in 2020 for firing a gun, which had placed him on probation. Initially granted bail for the ammunition charge, his release was revoked on May 20, 2025, after he repeatedly violated the terms, resulting in his transfer to MDC Brooklyn.
On May 31, 2025, during a cell search, Alston was found concealing a shank—a hand-crafted stabbing weapon—in his waistband. Over the course of a three-day trial, a federal judge in Brooklyn cleared him of the ammunition possession charges but convicted him for possessing the shank, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella emphasized the seriousness of Alston’s actions, describing him as a threat both to the community and within the correctional environment. Nocella stated that Alston’s conviction underscores the need for accountability in the face of such disregard for the law.
During the trial, Alston’s defense team argued that the evidence linking him to the bullet was weak. Defense attorneys John Burke and Adam Bolotin pointed out the absence of DNA or fingerprints on the bullet, suggesting it could have belonged to anyone who entered the apartment. Although they expressed satisfaction with the jury’s verdict regarding the bullet, they are considering an appeal concerning the conviction related to the shank.
This case is emblematic of broader issues facing the MDC, which has seen an uptick in violence, including two stabbings in the summer of 2024 and numerous other assaults among inmates. Federal authorities have been actively addressing crime in the facility; earlier this year, 25 individuals were arrested as part of a crackdown on various offenses. The increasing notoriety of violence within the MDC raises serious questions about safety and management in correctional institutions.
Alston’s story is a reminder of the complexities within the justice system, where the balance between punishment and rehabilitation remains a contentious topic. As he awaits sentencing for his conviction, the impact of his actions—and those of others like him—continues to resonate within the community and the legal framework governing correctional facilities.
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